Column: It's not too late to get a flu shot

Newspapers recently reported that three children in Ohio have died from flu-related illness in the last two weeks, and the Ohio Department of Health says that more than 2,000 have been hospitalized with flu-related illness. In short, the flu isn’t messing around this year and it could have dangerous consequences for kids, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

It’s not too late to protect yourself and your family. While every flu season is different, last year’s flu season peaked in March, so you still have time to protect yourself with the flu vaccine. Public health officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. It only takes about two weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies after vaccination.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine annually. The flu vaccine greatly reduces your chances of getting the flu and can reduce severity if you do. It’s proven to prevent flu-related hospitalizations for both the recipient and loved ones with weaker immune systems, such as young children and the elderly. It’s also particularly important for babysitters and elderly caretakers.

Unfortunately, the CDC recently advised that the flu mist nasal spray proved ineffective in treating the flu last season. At least for this year, the CDC recommends the injectable flu vaccines.

The good news is that the flu vaccine is covered under most individual insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid and plans purchased through your employer when administered at your primary care doctor’s office.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if you got a flu shot last year. Viruses change and immunity decreases over time so an annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against influenza.

Finally, it’s important to take day-to-day precautions to protect yourself from viruses, including avoiding close contact with sick people, keeping hands away from the face, washing hands with soap and water, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of liquids and eating nutritious foods.

Anyone with flu symptoms should contact their doctor to determine if antiviral treatment would assist in their recovery. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu in your body. According to a CDC study, early treatment could cut the duration of a hospital stay for older adults and reduce their risk of needing extended care after discharge.

Some years, the flu season doesn’t end until late May. While getting a shot is never fun, it’s nothing compared to the misery of getting the flu and spreading it to your loved ones.

For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of vaccinations, talk to a health care provider or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.